Scientific Program

Title: Evaluation of OPN Level and VDR Gene Polymorphism in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Biography:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered one of the major causes of death. Markers of HCC have become

helpful in screening, diagnosis and follow-up of cases. Osteopontin (OPN) is overexpressed in a variety of human tumors,

including carcinomas of stomach, breast, prostate, lung, colon, and liver. Plasma level of OPN could be used as a biomarker

for HCC. A variety of candidate genes has been identified, including the human vitamin D receptor (VDR). VDR is a product

of the single chromosomal gene. Many single nucleotides polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified in VDR gene,

including the Bsm I (G/A) polymorphism. Objectives: To determine the plasma level of OPN and study the VDR Bsm I (G/A)

gene polymorphism in HCC. Methods: Thirty-five HCC patients on top of HCV and 45 healthy controls were subjected to

routine laboratory investigations including liver function tests and serum hepatitis markers. Both groups were tested for OPN

level in the plasma of the studied subjects by ELISA and VDR Bsm Ι (G/A) genotypes by Real-Time PCR. Results: OPN

levels were significantly elevated in patients with HCC in comparison to control group. On the other hand, no significant

differences in VDR Bsm Ι (G/A) genotypes or alleles frequencies could be identified between the group of HCC and the

control one. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that plasma OPN level appears to be additional tumor marker for

HCC. Nevertheless, VDR Bsm Ι (G/A) gene polymorphisms do not exhibit a significant influence on HCC susceptibility.

Health And Medical Sociology